Data Analyst Pay

Chesapeake vs Harrisonburg: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Harrisonburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesapeake, VA
$67,328
$32.37/hr
Harrisonburg, VA
$53,199
$25.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VAHarrisonburg, VA
Median Salary$67,328$53,199
Hourly Rate$32.37$25.58
Entry Level (P10)$39,050$43,718
25th Percentile$48,778$49,956
75th Percentile$86,179$69,241
Top Earner (P90)$104,359$80,535
Total Employed6340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($67,328) and Harrisonburg ($53,199) data analyst salaries.ChesapeakeHarrisonburgMedian Salary$67,328$53,199Entry Level (P10)$39,050$43,718Top Earner (P90)$104,359$80,535US Median $80,394

Verdict

Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisonburg.

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Harrisonburg is $14,129 (26.56%). Chesapeake's median is -16.25% compared to the US national median of $80,394.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $65,309,Harrisonburg spans $36,817. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$39,050
P25$48,778
Median$67,328
P75$86,179
P90 (Top)$104,359
Harrisonburg
P10 (Entry)$43,718
P25$49,956
Median$53,199
P75$69,241
P90 (Top)$80,535

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($65,240 effective) pays 16.37% more than Harrisonburg ($56,063 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $67,328
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $65,240
Harrisonburg
Nominal: $53,199
CoL Index: 94.892
Adjusted: $56,063

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesapeake if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,328/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,359)
  • Larger job market (63 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,240)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Harrisonburg if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Chesapeake grew -52.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -60.9% growth in Harrisonburg over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+-52.8%

$136,587 (2024) → $64,441 (2025)

Harrisonburg, VA

+-60.9%

$130,173 (2024) → $50,918 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Chesapeake or Harrisonburg?

Chesapeake has a higher median data analyst salary at $67,328/year, compared to Harrisonburg at $53,199/year — a difference of $14,129 (26.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Harrisonburg?

Chesapeake data analysts earn $32.37/hr while Harrisonburg hygienists earn $25.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Harrisonburg as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Harrisonburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $65,240, Harrisonburg = $56,063), job availability (63 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Chesapeake vs Harrisonburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $39,050 in Chesapeake and $43,718 in Harrisonburg. The Harrisonburg area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov